We are new to Zurich and are looking to buy a small dog such as a Havenese or Malshi. Please could you let me know if you know of any reputable breeders either in Switzerland, Germany, italy or France.

You were given the information on that thread that you will need to start the process - did you follow though with the SKN Theory regulations?

Assuming you have the SKN theory class sorted, a few links that might get you started:

You should first contact the Zuchtwart of the breed club governing the breeds you are considering. So making a decision on breed will help your research. I will repeat what I said on the earlier thread, though - please research breeds characteristics to find a good match with what you and your family can offer. 'Small dog' covers a very wide range of breeds, some of which might not fit at all with your lifestyle.

The SKG, the Swiss Kennel Club is here, with links to the various breed clubs. Breeders are regulated at the club level, with the SKG as a national oversight:http://www.skg.ch/cms/home.html

You probably want to look into the Zwerghund club, the group within the SKG governing several of the small breeds.http://www.zwerghundeclub.ch

These are the national kennel clubs if you are after a pedigree puppy from a reputable breeder. Although due diligence into the breeder's ethics and program is still required. There is inconsistency between countries, and even between clubs within a country, in how FCI breeding is regulated.

If you are interested in a rescue dog, do take a look at the Swiss database of homeless animals. Contrary to common perception puppies come into rescue with some regularity, even small dogs:

Just a comment, as the damage done to our dogs through poor breeding, lately led by the cutsey name designer craze, is something I feel very strongly about...

If by a 'malshi' you mean a cross between a Maltese and a Shitzu, please be aware that this is not a regulated breed. Which means that there is no breed standard, no code of ethics among those choosing to create puppies of this mix, no health regulation in choosing the sire and dam, no governing body over any aspect of breeding.

When one chooses a puppy from someone deliberately producing mixed breeds, you must do additional due diligence, as many of these 'designer dogs' with cute names are in reality produced in battery farms in horrific conditions, often the puppies are ill or genetically compromised. Eyes wide open.

I am not a breed snob, far from it as I spend my life with rescue dogs. But through my rescue work I have seen the fall out of this irresponsible designer dog craze, and it breaks my heart.

Hope you find a happy healthy pup, either from a reputable breeder or reputable rescue.

The following 6 users would like to thank meloncollie for this useful post: